What are the best slip-resistant work boots? As a worker, your job may or may not be limited to walking on perfectly smooth terrains. Some situations may require that you work on an uneven or slippery surface depending on the nature of your work. Naturally, these unfortunate circumstances increase the chances of hurting yourself.
The good news is that if you are bound to work at a site with slippery or oily grounds, it is possible to prevent the impending dangers that you may face.
This is where slip-resistant work boots come into play, as this is the type of gear you need. These kinds of boots are capable of providing you with the much-needed traction, regardless of the type of surface you are walking on.
The Best Slip Resistant Work Boots For Workers That Need Proper Traction
This is the list of the best slip-resistant work boots I arrived at after careful research:
- 1) Timberland PRO Men’s 95567 Endurance Pr Work Boots
- 2) KEEN Utility Men’s Pittsburgh Steel Toe Work Boots
- 3) Irish Setter Men’s 83605 Work Boots
- 4) Wolverine Men’s W02421 Raider Boots
- 5) Timberland PRO Men’s Pitboss Steel-Toe Boot
1) Timberland PRO Men’s 95567 Endurance Pr Work Boots
Owing to their protective design, these boots were made with steel- flex puncture-resistant plates that offered me 100% underfoot protection, which came in handy for those situations where I would walk on dangerous surfaces.
They also were resistant to slippery grounds, thanks to their rubber slip, oil, and heat-resistant outsole. This was indispensable, as it assured me I would never be to fall even when I tested them on very slippery surfaces.
Finally, the boots came with an invincible lightweight toe cap that ensured my feet would be protected from being crushed if a heavy object was to fall at the construction site.
There are different ways in which a pair of boots can be durable, in the case of these Timberland boots, both the leather and their construction method are the key.
These boots were made with top-quality, full-grain leather that delivered endurance against the tough environments I would put them through. Additionally, they had been made with the cement construction method that did not only help with their flexibility but also added years of life to the boots.
Now in terms of comfort, these Timberlands boots came with molded polyurethane midsoles that resisted offered extra support in every step I would take.
Features and Specifications
- Premium full-grain leather for durability
- Timberland PRO rubber outsole is slip-, oil- and heat-resistant and features Ladder Lock outsole radius
- Timberland PRO rubber “double toe” and Timberland PRO rubber backstay for increased durability
- Steel safety toe shaped on TiTAN last for protection and a roomy fit
- Anti-fatigue technology with conical geometry in the polyurethane midsole reduces shock and returns energy to the foot
- Mesh lining with antimicrobial treatment for odor control and comfort
- Fiberglass shank for structural support
- Steel-Flex puncture-resistant plate for flexible underfoot protection
- Contoured single-density open-cell polyurethane footbed with antimicrobial cover for breathable comfort and odor control
Customer Reviews and Scores
There are more than 220 reviews on Amazon.com about these work boots at the time of writing and they have given them a 4.3 out of 5 rating on average. The reviews of this pair of work boots are positive overall.
2) Pittsburgh KEEN Steel Toe Utility Work Shoes for Men
If you're looking for protection in a pair of slip-resistant work boots, these Keen boots might be for you.
I learned about its incredible protection after trying the sole. It was oil and slip-resistant, which was perfect for keeping me from falling while doing my heavy-duty tasks.
Two other key features were also essential to me. Firstly, the boots had protection against electrical hazards, which is important to me as I am constantly exposed to electrical machines, appliances or power lines. Second, these boots came with steel toecaps that provided excellent protection for my feet and exceeded my expectations.
One should never compromise their comfort for anything, especially employees.
These Pittsburgh Steel Toe Boots from KEEN were not only protective, they also gave me maximum comfort by preventing fatigue and retaining most of the energy in my feet while walking.
The provision of the PU midsole and a removable met atomic dual-density EVA insole in the KEEN work boots was also essential to improve shock absorption.
These two features worked together to ensure that the shoe was perfectly shaped, domed, and curved when needed. Amazing, right?
Features and Specifications
- Dual-density compression-molded EVA and PU midsole
- KEEN Key-Tech Full-Length Interlocking TPU Coupler Plate
- Protection against electrical hazards that meets or exceeds ASTM F2412-11 and F2413-11 I/75 C/75 EH standards
- Oil and slip-resistant non-marking rubber outsole
- Reflective tape for extra safety.
- KEEN.Dry Waterproof Breathable Membrane
- Waterproof nubuck leather upper
- Left and right asymmetric steel toe cap
- Lining with 2-zone hydrophobic/hydrophilic comfort technology
- Metal hook closure and eyelets for laces.
- Removable Dual Density Metatomic EVA Insole
Customer Reviews and Scores
There are over 524 reviews on Amazon.com for these work boots at the time of writing, and they have averaged 4.5 out of 5 ratings. Reviews for this pair of work boots are generally positive.
3) Irish Setter Men’s 83605 Work Boots
These Irish Setter work boots are designed to fit like a glove.
First, they had an unusual wedge sole that played a big part in stabilizing the platform my feet rested on.
In addition, the padded collar of the boots went well with the removable PU insole which provides ample cushioning and extra comfort for my ankles. I mean, these two features combined were the perfect combination to provide light support, shock absorption, and efficient stability to my feet.
Speaking of protection, these boots had a thick white EVA rubber traction sole that provided a good grip in situations where you'd be carelessly walking on slippery surfaces. No wonder why I think these are the best non-slip work shoes, right?
This pair of boots exceeded all my expectations by including an aluminum toe cap that provided excellent protection that easily exceeded ASTM F2413 safety standards. And they also had protection against electrical hazards, which is always handy.
Finally, as with anything you buy, durability is key. Therefore, these boots are made of sturdy leather that has added an extra layer of protection to the boots, guaranteeing long-lasting protection.
Features and Specifications
- Padded collar for comfort.
- Loop at the back for easy on and off.
- Full-grain Briar Turbo Vegas leather.
- Goodyear collar construction provides reliable durability.
- The removable PU insole is cushioned for all-day comfort.
- EVA midsole for superior cushioning.
- The white rubber EVA Traction Tred outsole offers better grip and comfort.
- Aluminum toe cap conforms to ASTM F2413-11
- Protection against electrical risks
- Moc-toe style with triple stitching.
- Traditional lacing system with durable metal eyelets.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
There are over 552 reviews on Amazon.com for these work boots at the time of writing, and they have averaged 4.5 out of 5 ratings. Reviews for this pair of work boots are generally positive.
4) Wolverine Men’s W02421 Raider Boots
These Wolverine boots exceeded my expectations.
First of all, they had the Multishox rubber studded outsole that gave me a reliable grip to walk stably on slippery surfaces without the risk of falling, which is the most essential feature of the best non-slip work shoes.
For a boot made to withstand slippery surfaces, I was really surprised at how comfortable they were.
Like the protective features, these Wolverine boots had a fully cushioned insole that gave me stability and support during testing.
Plus, they had a lightweight PU midsole known for much-needed shock absorption, which I really appreciate in a pair of boots. Are all boots this comfortable? I do not think so!
Features and Specifications
- Full-grain leather upper
- CK breathable mesh lining
- Flexible, athletic Contour Welt construction moves with you
- Removable Wolverine Multishox insole with full cushioning for all-day comfort and support.
- Lightweight PU midsole
- Reliable grip thanks to the slip-resistant, oil- and abrasion-resistant Multishox rubber outsole
Customer Reviews and Ratings
There are over 698 reviews on Amazon.com for these work boots at the time of writing, and they have averaged a rating of 4.4 out of 5. Reviews for this pair of work boots are generally positive.
5) Timberland PRO Pitboss Steel Toe Boot for Men
Whether you're a construction worker or not, you know that both durability and comfort are an essential part of your performance. The good news is that these Timberland Piboss boots are a great alternative to meet those needs.
What I liked best about them is that they came with an open-cell polyurethane insole that had been treated with an antimicrobial treatment, which always cushioned my feet with every step. This allowed me to work up to 12 hours without feeling the exhaustion that comes with discomfort.
The oil, slip, and abrasion-resistant rubber outsole these boots had as part of their construction was outstanding. This feature ensured that I was not injured while walking on slippery surfaces during the testing period I talked about earlier.
After doing some research, I found out that according to ANSI safety standards, these boots easily surpassed international safety standards, which is mainly due to the fact that they use a high-quality steel toe cap to protect the worker's feet.
Finally, Timberland also gave these boots an added advantage by introducing electronic hazard protection. This feature protected my feet from the dangerous open circuits I'm used to finding on the construction site.
Features and Specifications
- Robust nubuck leather upper for comfort and durability
- Goodyear collar construction for durability.
- Steel toe cap
- Open-cell polyurethane insole with antimicrobial treatment for comfort and odor control.
- Polyurethane midsole for lasting comfort
- Cambrelle fabric lining with anti-microbial treatment for odor control
- Padded top collar for comfort.
- Shock diffusion nylon plate for support and torsional rigidity
- Top cast metal hooks for durability
- Timberland PRO rubber outsole is abrasion, slip, and oil resistant
Customer Reviews and Ratings
There are over 2,558 reviews on Amazon.com for these work boots at the time of writing, and they have averaged a rating of 4.2 out of 5. Reviews for this pair of work boots are generally positive.
Protection
Protective clothing is a must-have item on any construction site or work area where heavy lifting and
operating machinery is used.
In other words, protection is so important that ASTM safety standards recommend that all work boots have some type of toe cap.
These toe caps are placed on the front of the boots to protect the worker from freak accidents that happen from time to time.
The other feature that stands out most in terms of protection is a good quality outsole that is non-slip and abrasion-resistant.
This is an obvious feature to find as part of the best non-slip work shoes. Those soles must be designed to specifically prevent you, the worker, from slipping and falling on uneven or slippery surfaces.
Comfort
After purchase, the way work shoes feel when you step into them determines whether you end up regretting the purchase or not.
In order not to regret it, you will have to look for non-slip work boots with a sturdy and comfortable sole. I'm referring to those kinds of soles that when you walk, the boot should be able to support your weight and allow you to progress with ease with each step, one after the other.
Finally, and to top it all off, the comfort level of a good work boot is significantly increased by the use of comfortable insoles and shock-absorbing midsoles. So it's not surprising to say that these other two functions are also essential in your purchase decision.
Durability
No one wants to be dissatisfied with a product they bought with their hard-earned money. Value is essential for all employees, which is why we all look for valuable sustainability in everything we buy.
And the higher the quality of a work shoe, the longer it will last the wearer, we all know that, right?
The question is... How do you determine that the type of work shoe you have chosen is the most suitable for the price you have paid? Well, work boots with a quality leather upper and impeccable construction methods are usually more durable and therefore more valuable.
That is, if you choose the right boots with those properties, the years will pass and your shoes will remain like new.
How did I try to choose the 5 best non-slip work shoes?
I had to go through a lot of non-slip work shoes to get to these 5 pairs. It was a lot of work, believe me!
I used what I believed to be appropriate outside terms of employment. So I tested them each for over 4 months on smooth and oily surfaces at the construction site.
Based on the needs of an ordinary worker looking for a good pair of non-slip boots, I have tried to focus on the three features mentioned above, as I think they are a good tool to evaluate this type of work boot.
Pro tip: always check the sole
A good quality outsole is paramount, especially for workers who are always exposed to slippery surfaces while on the job.
Usually, most brands are quick to convince their customers that they are the only ones who can offer the best non-slip work shoes. But most of these brands just do business and end up misleading the buyers.